JP2008236298A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing confidential printing that improves convenience of a user with an inexpensive configuration. <P>SOLUTION: A digital multi-function machine is provided with: a discriminating means for discriminating whether a print request is a request for confidential printing (S12); an image forming means for forming an image in accordance with the request for confidential printing when the discriminating means discriminates that the print request is the request for confidential printing; an ejection tray for ejecting paper on which an image is formed by the image forming means; a detecting means for detecting whether there is paper in the ejection tray (S13); and a determining means for determining whether to eject the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming means to the ejection tray in accordance with the detection result of the detecting means (S14 to S23). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus capable of confidential printing.

  In general, an image forming apparatus is used by a plurality of users and is connected to a plurality of personal computers via a network. Each user transmits image data to the image forming apparatus from the outside of the image forming apparatus via the network to form an image, and prints the image on paper. The image forming apparatus is provided with a discharge tray for discharging paper. The paper on which the image is formed in the image forming apparatus is discharged to a discharge tray.

  Here, there is a case where a certain user wants to form an image in an image forming apparatus for an image having confidential information, such as a confidential document or a confidential document, and print it on paper. Even for such an image, when the image is formed by the image forming apparatus, the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray. Then, there is a possibility that another user will see an image having confidential information discharged to the discharge tray. Such a situation is undesirable.

A technique that enables confidential printing by inputting a password for confidential printing in a post-processing apparatus when printing such an image that is not desired to be seen by other users (hereinafter referred to as confidential printing). No. 4-48323 (Patent Document 1). According to Patent Document 1, a password for confidential printing is assigned and a print request is made to the image forming apparatus. At this stage, the image forming apparatus is configured not to discharge the paper on which the image is formed. Then, when the user who has requested printing goes to the image forming apparatus and inputs the password for confidential printing to the post-processing apparatus, the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged. By doing so, the risk that an image on which confidential printing has been performed is seen by other users is reduced.
JP-A-4-48323

  According to Patent Document 1, when performing confidential printing, the user needs to input a password to the post-processing device, which may complicate the user's operation. Further, it is necessary to provide a mechanism for inputting a password and a mechanism for identifying a password in the post-processing apparatus, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of confidential printing with an inexpensive configuration and improved user convenience.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention determines whether or not a print request is a request for confidential printing, and when the determination unit determines that the print request is a request for confidential print, An image forming unit that forms an image according to the image, a discharge tray that discharges a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, a detection unit that detects whether or not there is a sheet in the discharge tray, and a detection result of the detection unit And a determination unit that determines whether or not the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is discharged to the discharge tray.

  Preferably, a receiving unit that receives image data formed by the image forming unit is provided. Here, the determining means determines whether or not to operate the receiving means based on the detection result of the detecting means.

  More preferably, if the detection means detects that there is a sheet in the discharge tray, it further comprises a notification means for notifying that effect.

  More preferably, the determination unit includes a rotation discharge unit that rotates and discharges the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. Here, if the detection means detects that there is a sheet in the discharge tray, the rotation discharge means is operated.

  More preferably, the determination unit includes a reservation discharge unit that reserves and discharges the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. Here, if it is detected by the detection means that there is a sheet in the discharge tray, the reserved discharge means is activated.

  More preferably, the apparatus includes a selection unit that selects either the rotary discharge unit or the reserved discharge unit when the detection unit detects that there is a sheet in the discharge tray.

  According to the present invention, when the print request is a confidential print request, it is possible to determine whether or not to discharge the paper on which the image is formed, based on the detection result of whether or not there is paper on the discharge tray. Then, even if a password or the like is not provided, it is possible to reduce a risk that an image for which confidential printing is requested can be seen by other users. Therefore, confidential printing with improved user convenience is possible with an inexpensive configuration.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral 10 when an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied to the digital multifunction peripheral 10. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the digital multi-function peripheral 10. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a digital multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11 that controls the entire digital multifunction device 10, a DRAM 12 for writing and reading image data and the like, and information that the digital multifunction device 10 has. The operation unit 13 serving as an interface with the user in the digital multifunction peripheral 10, the document feeder 14 that automatically conveys the document to a predetermined document reading position, and the document feeder 14 conveys the document. An image reading unit 15 that reads an image of the original document with a scanner at a predetermined reading position, and an image forming unit 16 that forms the image from the document read by the image reading unit 15 and outputs the image to a sheet. A hard disk 17 for storing image data and the like, a FAX communication unit 18 connected to the public line 20, and a network 21. And a network IF (interface) unit 19 for. Further, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 includes paper storage units 23a, 23b, and 23c that store paper to be output.

  In addition, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 includes a discharge tray 24 that discharges a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 16, and a detection sensor 25 that detects whether or not there is a sheet in the discharge tray 24. The discharge tray 24 is provided on the downstream side of the image forming unit 16. The detection sensor 25 is provided on the side of the image forming unit 16 and above the discharge tray 24. As the detection sensor 25, for example, a PI (Photo Interrupter) sensor that detects the presence of paper is selected.

  The control unit 11 compresses and writes the original data supplied from the image reading unit 15 in the DRAM 12, reads the data written in the DRAM 12, decompresses and encodes the data, and outputs it by the image forming unit 16.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 10 operates as a copier by forming an image in the image forming section 16 via the DRAM 12 using the document read by the image reading section 15. Further, the digital multifunction peripheral 10 forms an image in the image forming unit 16 via the DRAM 12 using the image data transmitted from the personal computer 22 connected to the network 21 through the network IF unit 19, thereby serving as a printer. Operate. Further, the digital multifunction peripheral 10 forms an image in the image forming unit 16 through the DRAM 12 using the image data transmitted from the public line 20 through the FAX communication unit 18, and also by the image reading unit 15. The image data of the read original is transmitted to the public line 20 through the FAX communication unit 18 to operate as a facsimile machine.

  In FIG. 1, thick arrows indicate the flow of image data, and thin arrows indicate the flow of control signals or control data.

  Next, a case where confidential printing is performed in the digital multi-function peripheral 10 will be described. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 11 when a print request is made to the digital multi-function peripheral 10.

  1 to 3, first, a print request is made to the digital multifunction peripheral 10 from the personal computer 22 connected to the digital multifunction peripheral 10 via the network 21 and the network IF unit 19 (FIG. 1). 3, step S <b> 11, hereinafter, steps are omitted). Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the print request is a request for confidential printing (S12). Here, the control unit 11 operates as a determination unit. At this time, the image data requested to be printed is not received.

  Next, when determining that the request is confidential printing (YES in S12), the control unit 11 detects whether or not there is a sheet in the discharge tray 24 by the detection sensor 25 (S13). Here, the control part 11 and the detection sensor 25 operate | move as a detection means.

  If it is detected by detection sensor 25 that there is no paper in discharge tray 24 (YES in S13), then image data for confidential printing transmitted from personal computer 22 is received (S14). Here, the control unit 11 and the like operate as receiving means. Then, an image is formed based on the received image data, and the paper on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 24 (S15).

  In this case, since there is no paper in the discharge tray 25, there is little possibility that another user will visit the digital multifunction peripheral 10 to see the confidentially printed paper, or take it home with the paper output by himself / herself.

  On the other hand, if the detection sensor 25 detects that there is a sheet in the discharge tray 24 (NO in S13), the fact is notified (S16). Specifically, this is displayed on the display screen of the operation unit 13. Here, the control part 11 and the operation part 13 operate | move as an alerting | reporting means. Next, a screen for selecting whether to rotate and discharge the sheet on which the image has been formed, to reserve and discharge the sheet on which the image has been formed, or to cancel confidential printing is displayed. Here, the control unit 11 operates as selection means.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the display screen of the operation unit 13 in this case. Referring to FIG. 4, the display screen 26 of the operation unit 13 includes a display unit 27 indicating “There is paper in the discharge tray”, a button 28 a for selecting rotation discharge as a “confidential print setting” screen, and a reservation. A button 28b for selecting discharge and a button 28c for selecting cancel of confidential printing are included. On the setting screen in the operation unit 13, the user selects whether to perform rotational discharge, reserved discharge, or cancel confidential printing.

  Next, a case where rotational discharge is selected will be described. Here, the rotation discharge is a discharge method in which a sheet on which an image for which confidential printing is requested is formed is rotated and discharged to the discharge tray 24. When the rotation discharge is selected by the user (YES in S17), image data for confidential printing is received, and an image is formed based on the received image data (S18). Then, the paper on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 24 (S19). Here, when discharging the paper, the paper is rotated 90 degrees and discharged.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the portion of the discharge tray 24 in this case as viewed from above the digital multifunction peripheral 10, that is, from the direction indicated by the arrow V in FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, in general, when discharging a sheet, the discharge tray 24 faces the conveyance direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 5, that is, as indicated by a dotted line 29a in FIG. To discharge. On the other hand, by selecting the rotation discharge, the sheet is rotated by 90 degrees and discharged to the discharge tray 24 as shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 5 (S18). Here, the control part 11 etc. operate | move as a rotation discharge | emission means. In the case where the sheet is generally set to be discharged in the direction of the sheet 29b, the rotation discharge is performed so that the sheet 29a is oriented.

  By doing this, even when there is a sheet in the discharge tray 24, the direction of the discharged sheet is different, and therefore it is possible to easily identify whether the sheet is confidentially printed or any other sheet. Therefore, the security function at the time of confidential printing can be enhanced. In other words, since it is possible to easily identify whether or not the paper is confidentially printed according to the orientation of the paper, the possibility that another user erroneously takes home the confidentially printed paper is reduced.

  Next, a case where reserved discharge is selected will be described. The reserved discharge is a discharge method in which an image is formed at a predetermined timing without immediately forming an image in response to a print request, and a sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 24. Here, the predetermined timing is a timing at which the paper in the discharge tray 24 is removed.

  When the reserved discharge is selected (NO in S17, YES in S20), the image for which confidential printing is requested is not immediately formed, and the process waits. In this case, the image data requested for confidential printing is not received. When the paper in the discharge tray 24 is removed, the detection sensor 25 detects that there is no paper in the discharge tray 24 (S21). With this as an opportunity, that is, at a predetermined timing, image data for confidential printing is received, and an image is formed based on the received image data (S22). Then, the sheet on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 24 (S23). Here, the control part 11 etc. operate | move as a reservation discharge | release means.

  By doing so, it is possible to reduce the possibility that confidential printing paper and other papers are mixed in the discharge tray 24. Therefore, also in this case, the security function at the time of confidential printing can be enhanced. That is, the possibility that another user will take home the confidentially printed paper by mistake is reduced. In this case, confidential printing can be performed without newly making a print request, so that convenience for the user can be improved.

  If cancellation of confidential printing is selected (NO in S17, NO in S20), confidential printing is canceled (S24). In this case, the process ends without receiving image data for confidential printing. Accordingly, even in this case, the security function can be enhanced. If the print request is not a confidential print request (NO in S12), the image is formed as it is (S25), and the paper on which the image is formed is discharged (S26).

  As described above, when the print request is a confidential print request, it is possible to determine whether or not to discharge the sheet on which the image is formed, based on the detection result of whether or not there is a sheet in the discharge tray 24. Then, even if a password or the like is not provided, it is possible to reduce a risk that an image for which confidential printing is requested can be seen by other users. Therefore, confidential printing with improved user convenience is possible with an inexpensive configuration. In this case, since it is only necessary to provide the detection sensor 25 capable of detecting whether or not there is a sheet in the discharge tray 24, an inexpensive configuration can be achieved.

  In addition, since the image data is received after the print request is made and before the image for which the confidential print is requested, the security function can be further enhanced.

  Furthermore, when the detection sensor 25 detects that there is paper in the discharge tray 24, the notifying means can recognize that there is paper in the discharge tray 24 at the time of a print request. Therefore, the user can be prompted to select a discharge method in confidential printing.

  In the above embodiment, when rotating and discharging by the rotating and discharging means, it is decided to rotate by 90 degrees and discharge, but not limited to this, other angles, for example, 30 degrees and 60 degrees. It may be rotated and discharged. This also makes it possible to easily identify the confidentially printed paper and other paper on the discharge tray 24. In this case, the discharge tray 24 may be provided with a rotation mechanism for rotating the paper. When the paper is rotated 90 degrees, the A4 size paper and the A4R size paper are replaced, and as a result, the paper is rotated 90 degrees. Good.

  In the above embodiment, when the reserved discharge is performed by the reserved discharge means, if it is detected that there is no paper in the discharge tray 24, an image is formed immediately and the paper is discharged. The present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to detect that there is no paper, form an image after a predetermined time has elapsed, and discharge the paper. By doing so, the security function can be further enhanced.

  In addition, it is good also as a structure which can select together a reservation discharge | release means and a rotation discharge | release means. By doing so, the security function can be further enhanced.

  In addition, the notification means is displayed on the display screen 26 of the operation unit 13, but is not limited thereto, and may be displayed on the display of the personal computer 22 for which a print request has been made, or may be notified by voice.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described with reference to drawings, this invention is not limited to the thing of embodiment shown in figure. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment within the same range or equivalent range as the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control part when a printing request | requirement is made. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of an operation unit when performing confidential print setting. It is the figure which looked at the discharge tray vicinity in the case of performing rotary discharge from the upper direction.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital multifunction device, 11 Control part, 12 DRAM, 13 Operation part, 14 Document feeder, 15 Image reading part, 16 Image formation part, 17 Hard disk, 18 FAX communication part, 19 Network IF part, 20 Public line, 21 Network , 22 PC, 23a, 23b, 23c Paper storage unit, 24 discharge tray, 25 detection sensor, 26 display screen, 27 display unit, 28a, 28b, 28c button, 29a, 29b paper.

Claims (6)

Determining means for determining whether the print request is a request for confidential printing;
An image forming unit that forms an image in response to the request for confidential printing when the determination unit determines that the print request is a request for confidential printing;
A discharge tray for discharging the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not there is paper in the discharge tray;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether to discharge the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit to the discharge tray according to a detection result of the detection unit. Receiving means for receiving image data formed by the image forming means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines whether to operate the reception unit based on a detection result of the detection unit. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit that notifies that if there is a sheet in the discharge tray by the detecting unit. The determination unit includes a rotation discharge unit that rotates and discharges the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the detection unit detects that there is a sheet in the discharge tray, the rotation discharge unit is operated. The determination unit includes a reservation discharge unit that reserves and discharges the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein if the detection unit detects that there is a sheet in the discharge tray, the reserved discharge unit is operated. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a selection unit configured to select either the rotation discharge unit or the reserved discharge unit when the detection unit detects that there is a sheet in the discharge tray.

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